Galaxy S8 Plus Cell Phone Security and Performance Overview

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The Galaxy S8 Plus is a powerhouse when it comes to security, thanks to its fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology. This dual biometric approach provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

The phone's performance is also top-notch, with an octa-core processor and up to 6GB of RAM. This means you can enjoy seamless multitasking and fast app loading times.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S8 Plus is its ability to keep up with demanding tasks, thanks to its large 3500mAh battery. This means you can use your phone for hours on end without needing to recharge.

Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or just browsing the web, the Galaxy S8 Plus has got you covered.

Worth a look: Galaxy S8

Galaxy S8 Plus Features

The Galaxy S8 Plus features a stunning 6.2-inch 1440p OLED display, giving you an incredible amount of screen real estate.

This expansive display stretches from edge to edge, minimizing the amount of space taken up by the phone. The 18.5:9 aspect ratio is taller than most smartphones, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.

Check this out: Galaxy S25 Edge

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The display panel itself has rounded edges, and the phone's sides curve along the side bezels, creating a seamless visual experience. This is what Samsung calls its "infinity display".

The Galaxy S8 Plus boasts a DCI-P3 color gamut, which means it can display a wider range of colors than most phones. This results in a more immersive viewing experience.

The phone's screen resolution is incredibly high, making it perfect for gaming or watching high-definition videos.

Design and Colors

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ has a sleek and clean design that aligns beautifully with its smooth Infinity Display.

The Infinity Display wraps around the left and right edges of the device for an immersive experience, offering QHD+ 2960 x 1440 resolution.

The display is certified by the UHD Alliance as Mobile HDR Premium for accurate color reproduction.

This device features a durable Gorilla Glass 5 coating on both the screen and the device's rear panel.

The Galaxy S8+ is available in several colors, including Black, Grey, Blue, Silver, and Pink.

Here are the dimensions and weight of the device:

Software and Updates

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S8(S8+) Software update - 2020

The Galaxy S8 Plus has had its fair share of software updates and patches, and it's essential to stay on top of them to ensure your device runs smoothly. Samsung has halted the rollout of the Android 8 Oreo update due to a reboot bug, but don't worry, they're working on fixing it.

Samsung has been rolling out Android 8 slowly over the last few weeks, mostly in European markets. The update had not yet reached the S8 and S8+ in the U.S. at the time of the issue.

A new software update has added a toggle for controlling the Bixby button, allowing owners to disable the short press function that launches Bixby Home. This update also makes a few performance tweaks.

This toggle can be accessed on the Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note8 phones, and it's a great feature for those who'd prefer the button handled other tasks.

Issue Software Patches

Samsung has issued software patches for the Galaxy S8 to resolve issues with screen tint and WiFi connectivity. Some owners reported a reddish tint to their screens, while others had trouble connecting to WiFi networks.

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The first patch will address the tint issue, allowing consumers to adjust the color setting to their preference. This is a welcome solution for those who were frustrated with the issue.

Samsung has also pushed a security update to the Galaxy S8 and S8+, which applies the June security patches from Google and stabilizes memory card performance. This update is a standard maintenance effort to keep devices secure and running smoothly.

The second patch targets phones sold by a specific carrier in South Korea and will only be issued there. This targeted approach ensures that the issue is addressed for the affected users.

A fresh viewpoint: Cell Phone Security Apps

Daydream Update Reaching

The Daydream update is now reaching Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ handsets, making them compatible with Google's virtual reality platform.

This update will initiate Daydream services on the S8 and S8+, allowing users to access a wide range of content, including YouTube, Netflix, and CNN.

The Daydream platform requires two separate apps: Google Virtual Reality Services and Daydream, which are essential for accessing Daydream content.

Daydream content is exclusive to Google's own Daydream VR headset, which means users will need to purchase this headset to access this content.

The S8 and S8+ are already compatible with Oculus VR content and the Samsung Gear VR headset, giving users more options for virtual reality experiences.

Security and Biometrics

Credit: youtube.com, Galaxy S8 Plus: How to use Fingerprint Scanner

The Galaxy S8 Plus has a facial recognition scanner, but it's not foolproof. It can be tricked into unlocking the phone by showing it a photo of the user.

Samsung acknowledges the limitation, stating that facial recognition is meant to be a convenient feature, similar to swiping to unlock. However, the company offers alternative biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint and iris scanning, for more secure access to sensitive features like Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

Insecure Facial Recognition

The Galaxy S8's facial recognition scanner was easily tricked by showing it a photo of the user, raising concerns about its security.

This vulnerability was quickly discovered by bloggers who created a video demonstrating the issue.

A Samsung spokesperson acknowledged the problem, stating that facial recognition is meant to be a convenient feature, not a secure one.

The company emphasized that they offer alternative biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint and iris scanning, for more secure transactions like Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

Insecure Iris Recognition

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The Galaxy S8's iris recognition system was found to be insecure in May 2017, when researchers from the Chaos Computer Club demonstrated that it could be fooled with a contact lens and a suitable photograph of an eye.

Samsung acknowledged the issue and stated that they would respond quickly to resolve it if a potential vulnerability arose.

The company's response to the issue is a good example of how quickly they can address security concerns.

In fact, Samsung recently pushed a software update to the Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones, which includes the June security patches from Google.

This update also stabilizes memory card performance and adjusts some user interface elements of Bixby.

If this caught your attention, see: New Galaxy Phone Update

Verizon Offers iPhone 8 BOGO

Verizon Wireless is offering a buy-one, get-one deal on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus starting Friday, December 15.

This deal allows customers to get a second device for free when purchasing both an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, or a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+.

If this caught your attention, see: Iphone 8 plus Phone Case Apple

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Both devices must be purchased on a payment plan and at least one must be a new line of service.

The second phone must be from the same manufacturer and be of equal or lesser value.

The cost of the second device will be reimbursed monthly over a 24-month period.

This offer is valid for existing customer upgrades, as well as those who switch to Verizon.

The buy-one, get-one deal will be available for a limited time.

Launching in the US Today

Samsung's Bixby Voice is launching in the US today, and it's a game-changer for Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners.

With Bixby Voice, you'll be able to press the dedicated Bixby button and talk yourself through the entire user interface of select apps.

Bixby Voice fully supports 10 apps at launch, including the gallery, messages, settings, phone, contacts, weather, calculator, reminders, Bixby Vision, and the camera.

Samsung is preparing more apps for Bixby, including Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, notes, My Files, email, and the internet browser, along with third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and YouTube.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Electronics launches Galaxy S8 smartphone

Carrier-specific versions for AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon will be available at Best Buy stores, while the unlocked version will be available at Best Buy and Samsung.com.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are already available in black, silver, and gray, and the Coral Blue variant will become available to U.S. buyers starting July 21.

Here's a list of the carriers offering the Galaxy S8 and S8+, along with their pricing plans:

The unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be available online starting May 31, and the Coral Blue variant will be available on July 21.

Other Features and Services

The Galaxy S8 Plus has a lot to offer beyond its impressive display and camera. It supports wireless charging, making it easy to keep your phone powered up without the hassle of tangled cords.

With its IP68 rating, the S8 Plus is also dust and water resistant, giving you peace of mind when using it in harsh environments. This feature is a must-have for anyone who likes to take their phone on outdoor adventures.

Additionally, the S8 Plus has a built-in iris scanner for secure biometric authentication, providing an extra layer of protection for your sensitive information.

Camera

New Samsung Smartphone
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The camera on the S8 has some impressive features. It uses a custom camera module, which is a significant upgrade from the previous model.

The S8's rear camera has a Pro Mode that functions similarly to a DSLR camera, allowing you to adjust settings like shutter speed, ISO, and color balance. This gives you more creative control over your photos.

The front-facing camera now has an 8-megapixel sensor with autofocus, making it perfect for self-portraits. The S8 also features face-scanning as an option to unlock the phone, a feature that's been around since the Galaxy S III.

Keyboard Cover

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Keyboard Cover is a great accessory for the 2017 smartphone Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. It was priced at $59.99 when it released in early 2017.

One major criticism of the Keyboard Cover is that the navigation buttons switch to default every time you use the case. This can be frustrating if you're used to having your buttons set up a certain way.

Person Holding Silver Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
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The Keyboard Cover does not use Bluetooth, which helps save battery life. This is a big plus for users who want to extend the life of their phone's battery.

The visible portion of the screen shrinks when the Keyboard Cover is installed, but the word prediction is still available from the screen. This means you can still get helpful suggestions as you type.

Here are some key features of the Samsung Galaxy S8 Keyboard Cover:

  • No Bluetooth required, saving battery life
  • Word prediction still available from the screen
  • Navigation buttons switch to default every time you use the case

Google Play Music as Default Player

Google Play Music will be the default music player on all Samsung devices starting with the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Consumers who buy the S8 or S8+ will receive a free three-month trial of Google Play Music, which offers ad-free access to some 40 million tracks.

The trial also includes YouTube Red, an ad-free version of YouTube.

Samsung device owners will receive special features from Google, such as the ability to upload up to 100,000 of their own tracks to Google Play Music for safekeeping.

Google Play Music will be compatible with Samsung's Bixby voice assistant when Bixby launchers later this spring, allowing Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners to ask Bixby to play their favorite song and it’ll start playing on Google Play Music instantly.

Allows Button Mapping

Galaxy Digital Wallpaper
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Samsung has finally relented to user demands and allowed the Bixby button to map to something else. This means you can customize the button to perform a different action than Bixby.

The change will be available on new S10 phones as well as older S9, S8, and Note phones. This is great news for those who've been frustrated with the Bixby button's limited functionality.

Samsung has also released a software update that lets Galaxy S8 and Note8 owners disable the Bixby Home button. This is a game-changer for those who've been plagued by accidental presses.

The update adds a toggle for controlling the Bixby button, allowing owners to opt to disable the short press function that launches Bixby Home. A long press still calls up Bixby Voice.

This update also makes a few performance tweaks, which should improve the overall user experience.

For your interest: Apps Button on Phone

Reviews and Ratings

You can find a wealth of opinions and reviews from users who have purchased the Galaxy S8+.

Credit: youtube.com, Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus - Hands On Review

Replacing the front screen can be costly, with some users noting it's even more expensive than the phone itself, so it may be worth considering using the phone as is.

If you do need to visit a Samsung authorised dealer for a replacement, you can expect to be able to get it sorted out, but it's worth weighing up the cost against the value of the phone.

User Reviews

User Reviews are a great way to get a sense of a product's strengths and weaknesses. You can find them on websites like Samsung's authorized dealer pages.

Some users may be willing to replace a damaged screen, but it can be expensive. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy S8+, one user mentioned that it's even costlier than the phone itself.

If you're considering purchasing a product, reading user reviews can save you time and money in the long run. It's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

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You can find user opinions and reviews on product pages, often with a link to "Read all opinions" or "Post your opinion". This can give you a more well-rounded view of the product's performance.

Reading user reviews can also help you identify common issues with a product. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S8+ has had some issues with its front screen.

Beyond Review

Reviews and ratings can be a game-changer in making informed purchasing decisions.

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ review is a great example of this, where the reviewer was blown away by the phone's design, calling it "an impossible fantasy" that has become a reality.

Holding the Galaxy S8+ is a truly immersive experience, thanks to its Infinity display that stretches from edge to edge.

The reviewer's thoughts on the phone's design are a testament to the power of innovation and pushing boundaries.

Technical Specifications

The Galaxy S8 Plus is a powerhouse of a phone, and here are the technical specs to prove it. It comes with a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display.

The phone is powered by a large 3500mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

With a fast charging feature, you can quickly top up your battery and get back to using your phone. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to fully charge the battery.

Chipsets

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The Samsung Galaxy S8 features an octa-core Exynos 8895 system-on-chip, which is manufactured by Samsung with a 10nm process. This chip is also used in the US model, but with a different name, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.

Both the Exynos 8895 and Snapdragon 835 chips have 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD card. This means you can add more storage to your phone if you need it.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 has 4 GB of RAM, which is a decent amount for general use, but may not be enough for heavy users or those who want to multitask a lot.

In the US, the S8 and S8+ are available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, and Arctic Silver color options, whereas gold and blue are available internationally. The blue option was made available in the US in July 2017.

Batteries

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ come with non-removable batteries, with the S8 boasting a 3000 mAh Lithium-Ion battery and the S8+ packing a 3500 mAh one.

Credit: youtube.com, Everything You Need To Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries

These batteries are designed to retain their capacity for a longer period than previous models, according to Samsung.

The S8 supports AirFuel Inductive (formerly PMA) and Qi wireless charging standards, giving you the flexibility to charge your device in different ways.

You can charge the S8 at 9 watts through an ordinary USB, or at 12.5 watts through USB-C power delivery.

Fast charging is also available, but it's disabled when the device is in use, throttling the charging speed down to less than half.

G955U

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, also known as G955U, is a USA Unlocked version of the device.

It's available in the USA with 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM.

The G955U was released in 2017, following the announcement on March 29 of that year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Galaxy S8 Plus phone?

The Samsung Galaxy S8+ was first released in 2017, making it over 6 years old. Released in March 2017, it's a relatively older model, but still a powerful device.

Is the Samsung S8 Plus a good phone?

The Samsung S8 Plus is a great option for those who prefer large smartphones, offering an impressive display and camera. However, some users may find the fingerprint scanner placement and Bixby assistant to be drawbacks.

What is the price of Samsung S8 plus?

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus starts at Rs. 34999 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant. Prices vary depending on the model, with a 6GB RAM and 128GB storage option available for Rs. 48669.

Walter Brekke

Lead Writer

Walter Brekke is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a strong background in technology, Walter has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of cloud storage and collaboration. His articles have been widely read and respected, providing valuable insights and solutions to readers.

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